MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL: Restored Neo-Gothic Metropolitan Building to Become First Michigan Element Hotel

Element Hotels, part of Marriott International, along with Detroit-based Roxbury Group and Means Group, announce today the opening of Element Detroit at the Metropolitan, marking the debut of the stylish and eco-focused hotel brand in Michigan. The hotel, which has been incorporated into a renovated 92-year-old neo-Gothic building in the heart of Detroit’s entertainment district, aims to fuel a balanced life for travelers on the road. Designed for today’s healthy, active traveler, Element Hotels has redefined the longer stay experience with a nature-inspired design philosophy that is clean, modern and bright.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Element Hotels to Michigan for the first time with the opening of this property that is steeped in so much history,” said Toni Stoeckl, Vice President, Distinctive Select Service Brands, Marriott International. “The Metropolitan has sat vacant for nearly 40 years and was destined for demolition, making the opening particularly special for us – we’re so excited to have played a role in bringing this iconic building back to life for the city of Detroit.”

The Metropolitan Building, was originally opened in 1925 and previously was a destination for jewelers and shoppers alike. The Element Detroit at the Metropolitan boasts 110 studio and one-bedroom guest rooms. The hotel will also be home to a rooftop bar and patio, The Monarch Club at The Metropolitan, with private event space and unparalleled views of downtown Detroit and Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers. The Monarch Club will be the first of three food and beverage venues to open in the building, and is slated to debut in the first quarter of this year. The property is being managed by Azul Hospitality of San Diego, Calif.

Care was taken throughout the renovation process to preserve as many of the original features of the building as possible, including the exterior façade, an ornate vaulted ceiling in the interior lobby, interior decorative stair cases, and original terrazzo flooring on the guest corridors. The original storefronts of the jewelry stores have also been preserved on the second floor and repurposed as meeting rooms.

“The restoration and rebirth of this building with the Element Detroit at the Metropolitan as its centerpiece is a testament to the resilient spirit of Detroit,“ said David Di Rita, co-founder and principal of The Roxbury Group. “When the building closed 40 years ago, it would have been hard for Detroiters of that era to have imagined that it would come back to life in this way, particularly with so many of its beautiful original features still in tact. We’re delighted to be able to offer Detroit’s first extended-stay hotel to the city’s residents and visitors, and look forward to adding some fantastic social destinations to our increasingly vibrant Theatre District soon.”

The new hotel provides guests with many eco-friendly amenities that are an important part of the Element Hotels experience. It features decor and artwork from repurposed and recycled materials, low VOC paint, and every light bulb in the building is LED. All guest rooms provide travelers with a filtered water system within each room. In the bathroom, guests will find low-flow faucets and toilets, as well as environmentally conscious body lotion, shampoo, conditioner and soap, containing certified organic ingredients by Pharmacopia, an all-natural vegan and cruelty-free brand. The hotel’s standard rooms are outfitted with a mini-fridge, microwave and sink, while the studios and one-bedroom guest rooms are outfitted with a refrigerator, sink, microwave, dishwasher and two burner cooktops.

The hotel also features more than 5,000 square feet of meeting space, including three event rooms for conferences and gatherings, and 7,000 square feet of ground floor and lower level retail space.

Element Hotels aim to allow guests to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle while on the road by offering a complimentary RISE breakfast every morning featuring a yogurt station, a fresh range of whole fruits, and more. Those looking to keep up with their fitness routine can enjoy the 830-square-foot Motion Fitness center, open 24/7. Guests can also take their workout offsite while enjoying the local scenery via Element’s Bikes to Borrow program, which is run in partnership with Priority Bicycles. Complimentary bikes are available upon request for guests to enjoy during their stay. Notable nearby attractions include Campus Martius Park, Ford Field, the Fox Theatre, the Fillmore Detroit, Little Caesars Arena, Beacon Park, the Detroit RiverWalk and Eastern Market. For those looking to unwind after a long day, the hotel offers Element’s signature RELAX reception hour, where guests can enjoy complimentary organic beer, wine, soft drinks and appetizers.

Nightly rates start at $189. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 877-353-6368 or go to www.detroitelement.com